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Take the PMS Quiz

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a range of monthly symptoms that starts 1 to 2 weeks before a woman's menstrual period. Most women have at least some PMS symptoms. Learn more about PMS by taking this quiz.

1. Which group of women is more likely to have PMS?

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One culture may report different symptoms from another culture, but women from all walks of life are affected.

A. Those in industrialized countriesB. Those in developing countriesC. Those in the Western hemisphereD. Women of all cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds

2. What portion of menstruating women reports at least one symptom of PMS?

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But only 5% to 10% say they have symptoms severe enough to interfere with daily life, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

A. 25%B. 50%C. 75%D. 85%

3. A more severe form of PMS is also known as:

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Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is usually used as a designation for severe cases of PMS. (Dysphoric means the opposite of euphoric, which is a comfortable, happy feeling.)

Some women have physical changes. Others have emotional changes. Not all women have all symptoms, according to the National Women's Health Resource Center. Of the 150 symptoms, these are among the most significant: Physical symptoms include abdominal bloating, headache, weight gain, and breast swelling. Emotional changes include irritability, mood swings, food cravings, and tension. Mental changes include depressive mood, anxiety, lack of concentration, and poor control of impulses.

A. 15B. 25C. 100D. 150

5. Symptoms of PMS can be confused with:

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It can also be confused with diabetes, thyroid problems, allergies, and endometriosis, the ACOG says.

The exact things that cause PMS aren't yet understood, but serotonin, progesterone, and estrogen, plus other hormones and chemicals, may play a role, the ACOG says.

A. SerotoninB. ProgesteroneC. EstrogenD. All of the above

7. What has to occur for the symptoms to be diagnosed as PMS?

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Symptoms appear after ovulation, about the 14th day of your monthly cycle. They disappear 2 weeks later, when your period begins, according to the ACOG. In addition, the symptoms must affect your life. Other illnesses, such as depression, must also be ruled out before a diagnosis of PMS can be made. PMS can co-exist with and may other illnesses and conditions worse. Asthma symptoms, for instance, can worsen with PMS. Typically, your healthcare provider will ask you to keep a diary of symptoms for 2 to 3 months before making a diagnosis.

A. You must have at least 5 symptoms linked to PMSB. The symptoms must occur only during the second phase of your menstrual cycleC. The symptoms must occur every day or nearly every dayD. You must have noted the symptoms for at least a year

8. What lifestyle change will ease PMS symptoms?

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Your healthcare provider may recommend taking calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E to help relieve symptoms. Recent research has shown that estrogen regulates the levels of calcium and magnesium in the body, so taking extra calcium may help symptoms. Taking magnesium may help with symptoms of fluid retention and breast tenderness. For severe cases of PMS, a doctor may prescribe an antidepressant known as a serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor.

A. Regular exerciseB. Diet of complex carbohydrates, including fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grainsC. Dietary supplementsD. All of the above